The City of Moose Jaw has been given direction to finalize a new lease agreement with the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company. The motion approved by city council came after a closed door discussion Monday night following the regular meeting of council.

It's a 15 year agreement worth a dollar per year according to Mayor Fraser Tolmie, an agreement that reflects the work that the board does.

"It's not something that the city can actually do ourselves so we have to recognize the hard work and efforts by, not only the exhibition board, but also the CEO and the group up there."

The Exhibition Grounds used to be where the Town n Country Mall stands today but was moved to Thatcher Drive.  Since then, the southwest corner was sold to make room for Superstore and this new lease cuts off the southeast corner to reflect a planned shopping centre that's expected to be the new home of Canadian Tire.

While not as big as they once were, Tolmie says the local complex is still an economic driver hosting agriculture shows and other events throughout the year, bringing thousands of visitors to the city while also providing a venue for local residents.